Powerful Peace -

A Navy SEAL’s Lessons on Peace from a Lifetime at War

I first came across J. Robert DuBois by way of twitter in the early months of 2011. Being a huge supporter of our military both past and present I was drawn to not just his service, but rather his words.  Rob's thoughts and opinions on topics ranging from war to politics have many times left me feeling a sense of empowerment. One might ask why I would choose such a word, but the phrase 'Knowledge is Power' is lost on way too many. Being a former Navy SEAL is far from his only credit. Rob has a way of explaining things which gives others a different perspective, showing people the proverbial flip side of the coin. When I was given the honor of reading an advanced copy of Powerful Peace - A Navy SEAL’s Lessons on Peace from a Lifetime at War I couldn't wait to get started on it. If I was asked a year ago if I thought the book was a good premise I would have said that I was sure the book would be great. So, needless to say when I began reading Powerful Peace I didn't expect to be surprised by it's content.

Click HERE to purchase from Amazon

Rob wastes no time as the book begins and he takes us right to that horrific day, ten years ago on September 11, 2001. One of the first things that reached out from the pages and grabbed my heart in both sadness and pain was that this was not just a book written by an warrior, someone who spent years defending our nation and it's people by serving on one of the most elite special forces units around today, but rather it was written by a man. A man who has a family and sees the world the way it is, not through rose colored glasses. He sees its beauty and its flaws. 

Throughout the book Rob takes us on a journey of the years following the September 11th attacks. His ability to provide us with insight from the perspectives of a Navy SEAL, a husband, a father and even those who are considered our enemies is something that left me with moments of pause and self reflection. 

My notes on this book are lengthy and somewhat personal so I decided to try and keep my review of it brief. I would be genuinely surprised if there was a person out there who could say after reading this book, that they were not affected on a deep and personal level by it's content. Powerful Peace for me is no longer a coin phrase thought up by a former U.S. Navy SEAL. Nor is it merely the title of a book. It is something much more influential than that. A form of diplomacy, which when practiced could possibly shape the future of our nation and world so it sees less war, less death and more PEACE. It is, what I hope will some day be, a way of life.

I hope that everyone reading this takes the time to explore all that Powerful Peace could come to mean for them, their family and our future.  Applied "smart power" is a game changer for the future of humanity. 

Here's what other people had to say about Powerful Peace:

"If we do not teach our children the principals of peace 

someone will teach them the fundamentals of hate" 

Kimberly Wolfert, Demand Mgmt. & Sales Planning at Chiquita Brands Intl.

 
Mr. DuBois presents a compelling case, based on experiences he vividly shares with the reader, for a new type of Applied Smart Power. He takes you through the hearts, homes, and minds of allies - across the geopolitical and physical battlefield - and convinces you to join him in striving for his new doctrine of balanced peacemaking.

Ali-Reza Anghaie

It's been one year ~

One year ago today a man who brought pain to not just our nation, but the world as a whole left this earth. On a personal level I am a supporter of peace over violence and war on any day. It's an idea talked about greatly in Powerful Peace. However, Usama Bin Laden was someone who quite frankly just couldn't be reasoned with by any civilized means. He was a terrorist in every sense of the word. A diabolical entity who used his religion as a shield for his actions. All the while getting others to do his evil bidding. Today, I ask you all to not just be thankful that having him gone removes at least some of our worry in the global war on terror. I also ask you to say thank you to our United States Navy SEALs and ALL of our Armed Forces who helped rid the world of at least one of our threats. The removal of Bin Laden from this earth was a joint effort which stretched far between all branches of our military, as well as the invaluable assistance of our allies. Most importantly though, I ask you all to please take a moment to keep those who were affected by Bin Laden's reign of terror in your thoughts. Those who were lost and those who were left behind should never be forgotten.

God Bless those who have been touched by the unspeakable tragedies of the global war on terror. May our future hold only peace, compassion and a greater sense of humanity.

Never Forget Tangi River Valley

Today marks the 6 month anniversary of the worst loss of life for Special Operation Forces. On August 6, 2011 our nation was rocked by tragedy when a CH-47 Chinook carrying 38 Warriors was shot down by a rocket propelled grenade in the Wardack Province of Afghanistan killing all 38 people on board.  Of those who died, 17 were U.S. Navy SEALs, 5 were U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Command Support personnel, 5 were crew members from the U.S. Army's 7th Battallion, 158th Aviation Regiment and 2nd Batallion, 135th Aviation Regiment, 2 were special operations U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen (PJ's) and 1 Combat Controller from the Air Force Special Operation Command (AFSOC); also on board was a highly trained U.S. military dog.

Sadly, the event was reminiscent of a blow we felt a little over six years ago on June 28, 2005, when we lost 11 U.S. Navy SEALs and 8 of our U.S. Army's Night Stalkers in Operation Red Wings.  Until August 6th that had been the single worst loss of life in the Special Operations Command in Afghanistan. The similarities and immense number of casualties served as a chilling reminder of the grief felt six years ago.

Those killed were not just warriors. They were sons, brothers, husbands, fathers and friends to so many.  

Please take a moment to Honor Them and their sacrifice.

May they Never be Forgotten. 

(please click on the individual links)

 

Army Sgt. Alexander J. Bennett 24, of Tacoma, Wash.; assigned to 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion)

 

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Darrik C. Benson 28, of Angwin, Calif.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Brian R. Bill 31, of Stamford, Conn.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

  

Air Force Tech. Sgt. John W. Brown 33, of Tallahassee, Fla.; assigned to 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Field, N.C.

 

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL/Parachutist) Christopher G. Campbell 36, of Jacksonville, N.C.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

 

 

Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 David R. Carter 47, of Centennial, Colo.; assigned to 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion)

 

 

 

Navy Information Systems Technician Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist) Jared W. Day 28, of Taylorsville, Utah; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team 

Navy Master-at-Arms Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) John Douangdara 26, of South Sioux City, Neb.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

Army Spc. Spencer C. Duncan 21, of Olathe, Kan.; assigned to 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion)

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) John W. Faas 31, of Minneapolis; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

 

Army Staff Sgt. Patrick D. Hamburger 30, of Lincoln, Neb.; assigned to 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion) 

 

 

Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew W. Harvell 26, of Long Beach, Calif.; assigned to 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Field, N.C.

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Kevin A. Houston 35, of West Hyannisport, Mass.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

 

Navy Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Jonas B. Kelsall 32, of Shreveport, La.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Louis Langlais 44, of Santa Barbara, Calif.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Matthew D. Mason 37, of Kansas City, Mo.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Stephen M. Mills 35, of Fort Worth, Texas; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

 

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bryan J. Nichols 31, of Hays, Kan.; assigned to 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion)

 

 

 

Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Chief Petty Officer (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist/Diver) Nicholas H. Null 30, of Washington, W.Va.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Jesse D. Pittman 27, of Willits, Calif.; assigned to a West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit.

 

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Thomas A. Ratzlaff 34, of Green Forest, Ark.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Robert J. Reeves 32, of Shreveport, La.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Heath M. Robinson 34, of Detroit; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Nicholas P. Spehar 24, of St. Paul, Minn.; assigned to a West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit.

 

 

 

 Navy Cryptologist Technician (Collection) Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) Michael J. Strange 25, of Philadelphia; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL/Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist) Jon T. Tumilson 35, of Rockford, Iowa; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Aaron C. Vaughn 30, of Stuart, Fla.; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

   

Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Senior Chief Petty Officer (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist) Kraig M. Vickers 36, of Kokomo, Hawaii; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

Navy Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Jason R. Workman 32, of Blanding, Utah; assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team.

 

 

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Daniel L. Zerbe 28, of York, Pa.; assigned to 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Field, N.C.

"Bart"

Navy SEAL Academy

Part of my mission to Honor Them is to not only support our troops and veterans, but we must also look to the future soldiers who will be defending our freedoms and liberties in the years to come. It is because of this that I asked the gentlemen of Navy SEAL Academy to tell us a little bit about what they do. Here's what they had to say:

A Day in the Life Of a Navy SEAL

Navy SEAL Academy is a military adventure company dedicated to provide its clients the most authentic “day in the life” of a Navy SEAL. We currently have operations in California, Washington DC, North Carolina and Hawaii.

From a few hours at the beach performing exercises mimicking the notorious BUD/s training made famous on the Discovery Channel’s BUD/S Class 234, to spending 4 days rappelling down structures, breaching doors, learning tactical marksmanship, to even fast-roping out of a helicopter, the Navy SEAL Academy has pulled out all of the stops and can give its client full access to an authentic Navy SEAL experience.

Our SEAL instructors bring a wealth of experience to our course. We currently have an Active Duty BUD/s Instructor on staff, as well as an Active Duty Sniper Instructor. We also have a Former SEAL Officer who runs our operations with his SEAL Cadre in Hawaii. All of our SEAL cadre’s military qualifications are many
and diverse. They are all currently working on obtaining all civilian and law enforcement licenses, and qualifications. We have a Quality Management program in place and will be soon certified ISO 9001-2008 to ensure the safety and management of our courses. We are fortunate to have a highly motivated and educated group of Frogmen!

Our courses are extremely diverse, as we cater to many groups. Our clients range from 17 year old students who aspire to become Special Operation Forces candidates, to YPO Executives who run and operate multimillion-dollar companies. We have taught CEO’s, MMA legends, Professional Athletes, Moms, Dads, Grand dads, teens, and more.

We have most recently started a Scholarship Program in California and Hawaii to provide Free Training to any student who holds a contract to any Special Forces Program. We look forward to giving back and helping our new generation of warriors attain their full potential. Hooyah!!!!

For more info please go to:

 

navysealacademy.com

 

Other places you can find Navy SEAL Academy:

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

 

USTREAM

DS&S Tactical's Charity Knife Auction in honor of those fallen on 8-6-11

On August 6, 2011 our nation was rocked by tragedy when a CH-47 Chinook carrying 38 Warriors was shot down by a rocket propelled grenade in the Wardack Province of Afghanistan killing all 38 people on board.  Of those who died, 17 were U.S. Navy SEALs, 5 were U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Command Support personnel, 5 were crew members from the U.S. Army's 7th Battallion, 158th Aviation Regiment and 2nd Batallion, 135th Aviation Regiment, 2 were special operations U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen (PJ's) and 1 Combat Controller from the Air Force Special Operation Command (AFSOC); also on board was a highly trained U.S. military dog.

Sadly, the event was reminiscent of a blow we felt a little over six years ago on June 28, 2005, when we lost 11 U.S. Navy SEALs and 8 of our U.S. Army's Night Stalkers in Operation Red Wings.  Until August 6th that had been the single worst loss of life in the Special Operations Command in Afghanistan. The similarities and immense number of casualties served as a chilling reminder of the grief felt six years ago.

DS&S Tactical, a company founded by a Veteran of Somalia, is making a total of four custom knives to honor our fallen Warriors. These knives will be auctioned and sold to the highest bidder with 100% of the proceeds made going to charities which will help military families. The first knife in the series, and the one you see below will benefit The Navy SEAL Foundation in honor of the fallen heroes of 8/6/11 Tangi River Valley "Extortion 17".

For those of you who have watched me on my mission to Honor Them in the past year you know that any organization willing to give back to military or veterans and their families is always going to have my full and unyielding support. So I ask you to please share this very worthy cause with as many people as you can so that we can help DS&S Tactical raise as much money as possible to give back to those who have given so much.  As always, I thank you for your support and all you do to Honor Them.

"All gave some ~ Some gave all"

LINK TO AUCTION

From the DS&S Tactical website:

Because we can:

DS&S will offer a separate knife for charity auction, in remembrance of each of the military services represented in the lives lost at the Tangi River Valley. Below, is the knife marking the lives and accomplishments of the Navy SEALs who died that day. In the coming weeks, we will produce three other blades: One for the Army, one for the Air Force - and we will also produce one to benefit Military Working Dogs. All four knives will be produced by us and 100-percent of the proceeds will go to charity to benefit military families...

The Tangi River Bullshark - now ready for handle and sheath construction - and the special nano-infusion process, which will make the steel as much as 100 times stronger than it is now.

 

 This is a close-up pic of the raw engraved blade which will be infused with single-walled carbon nano tubes - truly super steel .... and one of a kind.

A special thank you to DS&S Tactical for allowing me to post this information from their site. 

A few other pictures of the Tangi River Bullshark

Nano Tubes are applied.
They begin to fill in the cut channels and link together






  
The blade once it's coated

The blade once it's cured